William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright and poet born in Stratford-upon-Avon. Known for some thirty-seven plays spanning tragedy, comedy, and history, he was also the author of 154 sonnets, first published in 1609 and addressed largely to an unnamed Fair Youth and a Dark Lady. His narrative poems include Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594). He was a shareholder and principal playwright of the company that performed at the Globe Theatre. His work has been translated into every major language and performed continuously since the late sixteenth century.
